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[larryc]

The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is incredible--a scenic highway snaking back and forth between the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. You have to stop your car for the mountain goats and elk when they cross.

[cyano]

The Gulf islands are great and I would say are more worth a trip than Vancouver island. Depending where you live, you might find the night market in chinatown in Vancouver interesting. The Okanogan is a great place to relax. If you're outdoorsy, rafting the Kicking horse river is a fantastic trip both for the river and the scenery.

[helpful]

Nelson and the Slocan Valley. If you want a preview of Nelson, watch
Housekeeping and Roxanne. Slocan Valley and Kaslo is really cool. Go to the farmer's market (hmm. sheep's milk ice cream!) in New Denver on Saturday morning and go to the museum commemorating the Japanese internment. Very moving.

[montreal_at_heart]

I did my undergrad in Victoria, which is absolutely lovely. If you are driving, the ferry is the only way to get there. If you are sans auto and have some $ to drop, try to get a discounted fare on the helicopter. The float plane is also unforgettable.
Butchart gardens, while cheesy looking, is actually incredible. It's an old quarry turned into a horticultural dreamscape.

The Sunshine coast is very good as well... take the Horseshoe Bay Ferry to Gibson's and drive north. Not that I drive, but I have seen it done, back in the day.

Compared to the incredible things that surround it, Vancouver does not merit much time on deck.

[drdoolittle]

The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is incredible--a scenic highway snaking back and forth between the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. You have to stop your car for the mountain goats and elk when they cross.

Oh, and if you want something to get you in the mood for such a visit, read Thomas Wharton's The Icefields!

[montreal_at_heart]

Ditto on the Banff- Lake Louise scenario: it's an incredible place. But that's in Alberta the last time I checked.

[takapa]

Everyone has hit the highlights.  I'm so jealous!  BC is the best!  I think you'll find that 10 days will only whet your appetite.